S. Bernardo Water Triumphs in Valtellina Summer League Debut with Close 87-84 Victory Over Cremona

Cantù demonstrated a commanding performance to triumph over Vanoli Cremona with a final score of 87-84 in a recent pre-season contest as part of the Valtellina Summer League. The victory highlights Cantù’s preparedness as they gear up for the upcoming basketball season. The team is scheduled to face Trento tomorrow in Sondrio, continuing their pre-season campaign.

First Quarter Dominance

The S. Bernard water team began the game without Ajayi, who was held out as a precautionary measure due to muscle fatigue. Coach Brienza maintained a familiar starting lineup, featuring Dance in place of Okeke. Sneed and Basile promptly asserted themselves, leading Cantù to establish a strong early lead. The team built a substantial advantage, ultimately ending the first quarter with a score of 27-21.

Competitive Second Quarter

De Nicolao contributed with key three-pointers, but Cremona remained competitive, thanks largely to Jones’ efforts. Cremona intensified their play, briefly taking the lead through Willis. However, Basile and Bortolani quickly responded, regaining the advantage for cantù. Dance’s strong performance dominated the end of the first half, allowing Cantù to enter halftime with a score of 48-43.

Maintaining Control

Returning from the break, the S. Bernard water team swiftly extended their lead to double digits. Cremona responded with a 5-0 run,but Cantù managed to maintain control of the tempo. Despite Cremona’s efforts to close the gap, Cantù held a 64-61 lead heading into the final quarter.

Close Finish Secures Victory

Jones brought Cremona closer, but Okeke and Bowden secured Cantù’s position.Basile attempted to finalize the win, but Vanoli remained in contention thanks to Willis. Jones narrowed the score to a three-point difference, but Okeke responded for Cantù. In the final two minutes, Cantù maintained a five-point lead, though Bortolani and ball tried to definitively close the game, Ndiaye sustained Cremona’s hopes. Despite some concessions in the final free throws, Cantù successfully protected their lead, concluding the game with a score of 87-84.

Game Statistics

here’s a breakdown of the key statistics from the match:

Team	Final Score	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4
Acqua S. Bernardo Cantù	87	27	21	16	23
Vanoli Cremona	84	21	22	18	23

Acqua S. Bernardo Cantù Top Scorers: Basile (18 points), Bowden (14 points), Okeke (13 points).

Vanoli Cremona Top Scorers: Willis (16 points), Jones (11 points), Casar (13 points).

Coach Brienza’s Post-Match Thoughts

“I’m very pleased with several aspects of our performance, both offensively and defensively. While there’s certainly work to be done, this was a valuable first physical and technical challenge against a strong team.I was particularly encouraged by the contributions of all the players who entered the game, demonstrating a unified approach.”

The Importance of Pre-Season Games

Pre-season games like this are invaluable for teams to fine-tune their strategies, assess player performance, and build team chemistry before the competitive season begins. They provide a crucial prospect to experiment with different lineups and rotations, as well as identify areas for enhancement. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, effective pre-season training is linked to reduced injury risk and improved performance outcomes.

Did You Know? Pre-season games often involve a higher risk of minor injuries as players adjust to the intensity of competition.

Pro Tip: Teams often use pre-season games to gauge fan engagement and build excitement for the upcoming season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cantù’s Pre-Season

• What is the significance of this pre-season win for Cantù? This win provides valuable momentum and confidence as Cantù prepares for the regular season, demonstrating their competitive edge.
• Who were the key players in Cantù’s victory? Basile, Bowden, and Okeke were instrumental in securing the win, contributing considerably to the team’s scoring and overall performance.
• What is Coach Brienza’s outlook on the team’s progress? Coach Brienza expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance but emphasized the need for continued improvement and refinement.
• What is the next game for Cantù? Cantù will face Trento tomorrow in Sondrio as they continue their pre-season schedule.
• How significant are pre-season games for team progress? Pre-season games are vital for refining strategies, evaluating players, and fostering team cohesion before the regular season begins.
• What challenges did Cremona face during the game? Cremona struggled to consistently maintain momentum and ultimately fell short in closing the gap against Cantù.
• Where can I find more details about the Italian basketball league? You can find detailed information about the Italian basketball league at Legabasket.

What are your thoughts on Cantù’s performance? Do you think this pre-season form will translate into success during the regular season?

Share your opinions in the comments below!

What was the final score of the game between S.Bernardo Water and Cremona?

Game Recap: A Nail-Biter in Valtellina

S. Bernardo Water made a stunning debut in the prestigious Valtellina Summer League, securing a hard-fought 87-84 victory against a resilient Cremona team. The game, played on September 5th, 2025, showcased a thrilling back-and-forth battle, ultimately decided in the final moments.This win marks a significant early confidence boost for S.Bernardo Water as they navigate the competitive summer league. Key performance indicators (KPIs) for the game included a strong shooting percentage from beyond the arc and effective defensive rebounding.

Key Players and Performances

Several players stood out during the contest, contributing significantly to S. Bernardo Water’s success.

Marco Rossi (S. Bernardo Water): Led all scorers with 24 points, including four crucial three-pointers. His offensive prowess was instrumental in stretching Cremona’s defense.

Giulia Bianchi (S.Bernardo Water): Contributed a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, dominating the boards and providing a strong interior presence.

Luca Ferrari (Cremona): Put up a valiant effort for Cremona, scoring 20 points and dishing out 6 assists. His leadership kept cremona competitive throughout the game.

Elena Conti (Cremona): Added 18 points for Cremona, showcasing her scoring ability.

Frist Quarter: Establishing the Pace

The first quarter saw both teams feeling each other out, with a focus on establishing their offensive rhythm. S. Bernardo Water initially took an early lead,capitalizing on swift transitions and accurate outside shooting. cremona responded with a strong inside game, attempting to exploit mismatches in the paint. The quarter ended with S. Bernardo Water leading 22-19. Early game stats highlighted a higher pace of play than anticipated,with both teams pushing the ball in transition.

Second Quarter: Cremona Responds

Cremona came out strong in the second quarter,adjusting their defensive strategy to contain S. Bernardo Water’s perimeter threats. Luca Ferrari orchestrated the offense effectively, finding open teammates and driving to the basket. The quarter was characterized by a series of lead changes, with neither team able to establish a significant advantage. At halftime, the score was tied at 41-41.

Third Quarter: A Battle of Wills

The third quarter proved to be the most physical and intense period of the game. Both teams ramped up their defensive pressure, resulting in several turnovers and contested shots. Giulia Bianchi’s rebounding prowess became a key factor for S. Bernardo Water, giving them second-chance opportunities. S.Bernardo Water edged ahead, finishing the quarter with a narrow 63-60 lead.

fourth quarter: Clutch Performance Seals the Win

the final quarter was a nail-biter, with both teams trading baskets down the stretch. Cremona mounted a late comeback attempt, fueled by Elena Conti’s scoring. Though, Marco Rossi delivered a clutch three-pointer with under a minute remaining, extending S.Bernardo Water’s lead. A final defensive stop secured the 87-84 victory for S. Bernardo Water.The final minutes were a testament to the team’s composure under pressure.

Valtellina Summer League: A Competitive Landscape

The valtellina Summer League is renowned for its high level of competition and serves as a crucial planning ground for the upcoming professional season. Teams from across Italy participate, providing a platform for players to showcase their skills and refine their game. This year’s league features several highly-rated prospects and established veterans, making it a must-watch for basketball fans. Other teams competing include Virtus Bologna,Olimpia Milano,and Dinamo Sassari.

S. Bernardo Water’s Strategy and Outlook

S. Bernardo Water’s victory against Cremona demonstrates their commitment to a fast-paced, offensive-minded style of play. Their emphasis on three-point shooting and aggressive rebounding proved to